The State Security Service (SSS) has filed six separate criminal charges against nine suspected terrorists accused of carrying out deadly attacks in Benue State and other parts of northern Nigeria.
The charges, filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Abubakar, detail serious crimes including killings, arms trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and concealment of intelligence that could have saved lives.
The suspects are currently in SSS custody, but no date has been set for their official trial.
Two of the accused, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, were arraigned on a four-count charge in connection with the Yelwata massacre in Guma LGA, Benue State. The attack, which occurred between June 13 and 14, 2025, left several people dead and many others injured.
According to the court documents, the two men allegedly worked with others — including Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, Pyeure Damina, and other unnamed persons — to carry out terror attacks in Yelwata and Abinsi communities.
They are also accused of withholding vital information that could have helped security agencies prevent the killings. Their actions violate multiple sections of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
Two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA, have also been charged in connection with reprisal attacks linked to the same incidents in Yelwata and Abinsi.
They face three-count charges for allegedly attending secret meetings where the attacks were planned. The prosecution claims the reprisal actions led to the destruction of property and the killing of 12 cattle in Ukpam village. These offenses are also under the Terrorism Act.
In a related case, Halima Haliru Umar, a 32-year-old woman from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, was charged for aiding bandits. The SSS said she transported 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition in July 2025 and concealed details about a known gunrunner.
She faces charges of concealing information and supporting terrorist activities, which are criminal offenses under Nigerian law.
Two elderly men, Nanbol Tali (75) and Timnan Manjo, both from Plateau State, were also charged with illegal firearms sales.
They are accused of buying two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for ₦3 million and reselling revolvers to bandits. Their actions are in violation of the Firearms Act, 2024, which criminalizes arms dealing without proper licenses.
Another suspect, Silas Iduh Oloche, from Agatu LGA, Benue State, faces a six-count charge for unlawful possession of heavy weapons. He was reportedly caught with 18 grenades and 683 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition on August 2, 2025.
Authorities believe the ammunition was meant for use in further attacks in the region.
Benue State has suffered from repeated attacks in recent years, often blamed on armed herders, militias, and criminal gangs. Communities like Guma, Agatu, and Abinsi have seen loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents.
The government and security agencies have come under pressure to arrest and prosecute those behind these attacks. The recent charges by the SSS are seen as a step toward justice for victims.
While the SSS has confirmed that all nine suspects are in detention, no trial date has been announced.
